Influence of sintering aids on sintering and mechanical properties of 3Y-TZP/AI2O3 (40 vol%) composite

The 3Y-TZP/Al2O3 composite was densified at a temperature as low as 1400°C by doping small amount of TiO2-MnO2 and/or CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 glass. TiO2-MnO2 addition greatly enhanced the densification but also promoted grain growth of Al2O3 and ZrO2, leading to a higher monoclinic zirconia content, which is harmful to the mechanical properties. Addition of CaO-Al2-SiO2 glass decreased the fraction of monoclinic phase, resulting in higher bending strength and fracture toughness. Furthermore, it was found that the formation of rhombohedral phase is associated with the higher content of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 glass.